Wear It Wednesday: Ankle Strap Love

Head over heels in love with this trend! (no pun intended. but, okay, maybe a little) Super girly and available in just about any style your little shoe loving heart desires, this strappy detail is perfect for Spring and Summer. Wedges, ultra-feminine heeled sandals, and t-strap flips are just begging me to shop right now...avoiding the urge really does suck! It's my birthday week, though...finally! (: XX.

FYI, the orange beauties are from Zara, aka shoe heaven,

and they're only $50! Here, in blue.

Wear It Wednesday: Denim Shirt

Denim denim denim: It's everywhere and I love it! Finally found my own denim shirt at Nordies. Splurged a bit - at $49 - but it's been worth it! I wear it all the time and it's a definite staple. Anywho, this trend isn't just for casual Friday, ladies! So versatile, your denim shirt can be worn with white pants, a flowy sheer maxi, or a knee length pencil skirt (shown here). Have fun with this easy trend, as it's likely to match basically anything and everything already in your closet! XX.

 

(click to purchase!)

Red Carpet Trend: Texture

Loved this! Many of the actors showed up to the 18th Annual SAG Awards donning beautiful gowns - and a jumpsuit - full of playful, elegant textures. Lace, gems, sequins, layers of fabric - you name it. Lots to drool over tonight. XX.

From top, left to right: Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Couture, Jayma Mays in Reem Acra, Emma Stone in Alexander Mcqueen, Julianna Margulies in Calvin Klein Collection, Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza, Judy Greer in Collette Dinnigan, Ariel Winter in Collette Dinnigan, Ashlee Simpson in Jenny Packham, Michelle Williams in Valentino, Rose Byrne in Elie Saab Couture, Naya Rivera in Naeem Kahn, and Katrina Bowden in Amsale

Abstraction Attraction

Geometric abstraction has hit the Spring 2012 runways and I'm loving it. If you know me, you know that I'm clinically obsessed with stripes. This coming season, we'll be seeing more geometric shapes and angles in clothing that really showcase the color. And we can't forget that graphic black and white trend I've mentioned before. This is right up my alley - it's clean and modern, simple yet sophisticated. Something about stripes and geometric shapes just screams class to me. Love those crisp lines!

Anywho, check out some examples from the season's runways. XX.

Barbara Bui

Hermes

Marni

How To: Tuxedo Nails

As you may have noticed, nail art is becoming more and more popular these days. Maybe it's because we're all broke and just need a little something to perk us up from home at a cost next to nothing? Probably! Plus, it's really cute if you're good at it. I'm no expert, as my right hand is extremely shaky and I'm practically incapable of executing a straight line...but I try! Also, there's just something so therapeutic to me about taking an hour out of the night to focus on just one thing. From fixing up cuticles to filing, buffing, and coating with pretty polish, it's just relaxing (not to mention a really awesome diet trick to keep your fresh nails out of the bottom of a chip bag...).

Anyways, last night I attempted to recreate Zooey Deschanel's red carpet look from this year's Golden Globes. She was quoted on her Instagram that night saying, “I am wearing a gown but my nails are wearing tuxedos!!!" Too cute. So I tried it, except I used a really light silver polish as my base and a deep navy blue for my buttons and such. I wish I had black and white, but it was kind of a last minute decision to try this! They turned out okay! XX. 

Zooey's Version!

My Attempt!

What You Need:

- clippers, file, buffer, etc.

- base coat 

- white polish

- black polish

- a good top coat

- a bobby pin with those little plastic round pieces still attached on the end

- nail polish remover

- q tips

What You Do:

- make sure your cuticles are cleaned up, then file and buff your nails so they're smooth

- put on a base coat and allow it to dry

- add a coat of white to both hands, repeat with a second coat, and allow both hands to dry to the point where they aren't sticky

- give yourself "french tips" with the black polish, making sure that the thickness of each tip is consistent on each nail

- take your bobby pin and paint that little round tip with the black polish

- immediately add two (or three, depending on the length of your nail bed) little dots above the tips you just painted

- i recommend doing your buttons one nail at a time so your bobby pin doesn't dry up, you should be re-coating it with black polish after each 2 or 3 dots 

- go back and add your bows by using the same bobby pin technique (i just made a few dots and sort of blurred them together with the polish and my pin, it will get easier as you discover what works best for you)

- after you've finished both hands, go over each nail with a generous helping of a fresh top coat (i say "fresh" because there's nothing more irritating than ruining your polish with a sticky top coat...you should buy a new one often!) 

- if you've made a mess out of your fingers, as I always do, then go back and dip your q tips in nail polish remover to clean up around the edges

Tip:

After you've waited a good ten minutes for your polish to dry, run your fingers under cold water for a few seconds to set the polish and avoid the tackiness that typically plagues your fresh mani!

Technology Takeover: Part 1

Wear your favorite photos on your sleeve, literally. Of course, why not?

It's 2012. 

Digitally produced fabrics are becoming more and more popular this year. Extremely literal, gorgeous, detailed, and unique, this trend is just too cool. Not sure if I would personally be caught in such a giant, personalized print BUT it's cool, nonetheless. Really interested to see how this will translate into the affordable retail environment. This trend could easily flop if it's done cheaply...so let's keep our fingers crossed for some decent graphics. XX.

Mary Katrantzou 

Dries Van Noten

Akris

Topshop Unique

Pastels, Baby.

As previously noted, pastels are coming on strong this Spring. I'm so excited to ditch that 80's neon nonsense and transition to a more fresh, girly, playful look. As I've always said, Spring and Fall are the two times each year that we get to completely makeover our style. No longer just for innocent children or new baby nurseries, pastels should definitely be present in your new wardrobe. Simple as that.

Stay tuned for some updates on where to find some pieces for your closet. XX.

Louis Vuitton

Prada

Preen

Valentino

The 20's Drop Waist

Typically, we think of shapeless dresses and shirts as unflattering and just...weird. But not this season. At the Spring shows, it was evident that the drop waist is in again. When executed correctly, the silhouette can actually work with you, not against you. Of course, we always need to be aware of our own figure when choosing a trend like this so be sure do your own research. Go ahead and try something on, because you never know! For some, the high waisted thing was just not okay...so this may be your chance to bring that 1920's flapper cut back to your wardrobe. Remember the point is to choose a shapeless sheath...the drop should hit just around the widest part of the hip, which can actually create a longer, thinner line. Just thank these designers or giving us something comfortable to look forward to, rather than those restricted, high and tight skirts. XX.

Chloe

Reed Krakoff

Celine

Sonia Rykiel

Giambattista Valli

Matte Satin?!

90's Prom nightmare? One would think so.

But not after seeing and dying over these Spring 2012 runway looks. Matte satin is making a comeback, off the bridal floor. Seen at many of the shows, this classy fabric really makes a statement. It's fancy, yes, but somehow it's not fussy. These edgy designs from various big name designers add a modern element to the otherwise avoided daily fabric choice. XX.

Balenciaga 

Lanvin

Miu-Miu

Victoria Beckham

3's A Trend

Headbands?! Yeah, they're a thing. Again!

Blair Waldorf so successfully played them out in the past few seasons of GG but, much to my liking, they're back! There's just something so lovable about this girly, 13-going-on-30 trend and, as a former hair piece designer, I have a feeling I'll be forced to delve further into my craft again next season.

This year at the Golden Globes, 3 of Hollywood's "golden girls" opted to sport this playful look:



Michelle Williams, Charlize Theron, and Busy Philipps know how to keep it classic, feminine, and simple. XX.

Fall/Winter 2011 Collection: OPI Nail Lacquer

"OPI takes to the American road with a palette of shades that

brings a new spirt of classic style to life."

The "Touring America Collection" by OPI showcases a fun group of shades relevant to different cities across the country. From Hollywood to New York, the collection has a shade that's right for you, wherever you are. Pinks and corals, multiple mauves, and a few stunning versions of the ever popular taupe make up the newest group from the color geniuses at OPI.

Personally, I love LOVE all the grays in the collection. Right now, I'm wearing a lighter, milky, grey shade from a previous season but I can't wait to get my hands on "A-taupe the Space Needle" or "Get in the Expresso Lane". They both have that yummy slate quality that can go either brown or grey. It just simply goes with everything!

Here's a good look at the entire Fall/Winter 2011 Collection! XX

"Are We There Yet?" - Milwaukee, WI


"A-taupe the Space Needle" - Seattle, WA


"Color to Diner For" - Tucson, AZ


"French Quarter for Your Thoughts" - New Orleans, LA


"Get in the Expresso Lane" - Clarksdale, MS


"Honk if You Love OPI" - Baltimore, MD


"I Brake for Manicures" - Memphis, TN


"I Eat Mainly Lobster" - Philadelphia, PA


"My Address is Hollywood" - Hollywood, CA


"Road House Blues" - Jackson Hole, WY


"Suzi Takes the Wheel" - St. Louis, MO


"Uh Oh Roll Down the Window" - New York, NY


photos courtesy of beautyjunkiesunite.com

Fashion's Blue Period

As you may have noticed by now, fashion is turning blue. Not only because the weather may be getting a little icy, but every shade making it's way onto the racks is just simply sexy. From over the top teals, to striking ceruleans and royal navys, it's clear that blue has definitely named itself "the new black".

Let's take a look at some celebs who are hitting the blue note just right:



And if you aren't fortunate enough to don a cobalt frock on the red carpet, it's still easy to look amazing in the hue with your every day street style. The easiest way is to try the nautical thing. Stripes are timeless and, if they're done right, can look really rich! Nothing is better than a pair of dark skinnies with a navy and white striped tank. Throw on some heels and a few gold accents (i.e. an oversized watch) and you're ready to go. For some reason, I feel sort of "finished" when I'm wearing stripes. Especially when it's something brand new with crispy white somewhere on it. Who knows...

Anyways, you could go for a staple piece and splurge on a nice, navy, boyfriend blazer to throw on over different pieces. Or, if you're feeling extra fabulous, try a pair of blue suede shoes. Platforms or wedges are always good. I have always had a huge obsession with mixing black with blue...even though it may have previously been considered a faux pa...whatever. As long as it's clear that you did not mistake your navy blue sock for the mate to your black one this morning...you're fine. Choose a shoe that's bright and rich and pair it with black denim or even a black cocktail dress to make it fun. Remember, confidence is the best accessory. So don't try something you're not totally comfortable rocking. It doesn't matter if it looks ridic to your mother, if you feel hot...you'll look hot!

Here are some awesome street style snaps. Take notes, dolls!

XX